


POETIC GEMS 



O THE WORLD 




Class ySSS Otf 

Book. flzyrPt 

Copightlf W Z _ 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



POETIC GEMS 
TO THE WORLD I LOVE 




MRS. LOUISE COULSON 



POETIC GEMS 
TO THE WORLD I LOVE 

BY . $y 

MRS. LOUISE COULSON 







Copyright, 1912, 

BY 

MRS. LOUISE COULSON 



PRINTED AT 

THE QUINN & BODEN CO. PRESS 

RAHWAY, N. J. 



©GI.A332300 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

A Tribute to James Russell Lowell 3 

A Tribute to Rev. J. H. Seaton and Family ... 5 

Across the Barren Waste of Life 7 

Abide with Me 9 

After the Storm 10 

Autumn n 

A Birthday Invitation 12 

As the Days Are Slipping By 13 

A Lovely May Morning 14 

After All Is Said and Done 15 

A Song: "Begone, Dull Care" 17 

A Poem. (Dedicated to Chopper Greenberry, "The Boot- 
black" — age eighty two) 19 

Accidental Death of "Andrews." (In Salt Lake City, 

Utah, 1884) . 21 

Building 23 

Burning Old Letters 24 

Baby Feet 25 

Christmas Bells 26 

Created Things 27 

Captain Halahan, a Hero of the Philippines ... 28 

Convict Tracy: Supposing Him to Be the Firstborn . 29 

Childhood's Sorrows 31 

Departed 32 

Dewey the Hero 33 

Enchantment 34 

Easter 35 

v 



vi CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Fleeting Joys 36 

Faith, Hope and Charity 37 

For a Lady's Album 39 

Gathering Flowers for Grandma 40 

His Message 41 

I Am Waiting, Darling 42 

I Love Thee So 44 

I Would Be There 46 

In the Haying 47 

In Loving Remembrance of Little Paul Clark . . 48 

In Memory of Mrs. Mary S. Mantle 50 

In Memory of My Friend, Mrs. M. A. Harrison . . 51 

Just Us Two 52 

Just and Right 54 

Jilted 56 

Jack Frost 57 

Jesus Is with Me 5a. 

Love Is over All 61 

Love's Throne 63 

Love and Jealousy 64 

Lines on Moving a Printing Office 66 

Licking the Pan 68 

Love and Live 70 

My Baby. (My first verse written 1867) .... 71 

Mother Love 72 

Midnight Musings 73 

My Sweetheart Is the Man That Doesn't Know . . 75 

Needle and Thread 77 

Nature's Child 78 



r\ t^ PAGE 

On the Desert 



Vll 

GE 

79 



CONTENTS 

Oh! Life Was Sweet with Thee. 

October 

One Silver Strand 

Only a Miner 

Over the Trail 

On the Death of a Little Child [ s l 

Our Leaders . 

9o 

Prize Poem, Number One 

Prize Poem, Number Two ... <! 



Responding to the Call 

Rural Scenes . ■ • 94 
96 



Some Day I'll Know 

Silver Linings 

Springtime 

c n 101 

bONG of the Spread 

Schooldays 

103 



The Beautiful Land of My Dreams .... I04 

The Unseen Hosts .... 6 

The Month of May 

The Mother's Crown 

The Baby Shoe .... 

The Old, Old Story ...'.[ 

The Dying Day .... - 

The Broken Heart .... Il6 

The Johnstown Flood II7 

The Burning of the Bridge IIq 

The Golden West 121 

The Stranger Knight I2 _ 

The Birth of a Century . I2 . 

The West '!!.*' 125 

The Beautiful Hills of Maryland . . . ' .127 

The Beautiful Giant Spring .... 128 



viii CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Shepherds 129 

The Newborn Babe 130 

The Baby's Death: Five Weeks Later . . . .131 

The Soul's Unrest 132 

The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword .... 134 

The Other Side . 135 

The Bucket Brigade 136 

The Workingman's Lament 138 

The Silver Slump 140 

The Old Bell Cow 142 

To the Spokane River 143 

To My Sister "Jet," on Her Sixty-Eighth Birthday . 145 

To a Friend 146 

To an Absent Friend 147 

To My Friend, J. S 148 

To Our Heroes . . 149 

There is Always Some Good Somewhere . . . .151 

There Is No Death 153 

There Is Just One Missing. (A Hymn) . . . .155 
There's Nothing in Strife and Contention . . .156 

Time's Changes — 1858 to 1898 158 

Transformation by Irrigation 160 

Twilight Hours 161 



Unseen 162 

Waiting 163 

Were It All of Life to Live 165 

What Is Life? 166 

Waiting for the Postman 167 

When She Celebrated Her Golden Wedding . . . 168 

Wife and I 169 

What Care I? 170 

We Are Comwg 173 

Why God Created Flowers 175 



INTRODUCTION 

r^ ENERALLY, the first question asked of a 
stranger is, Who are you, and where from? 
Being a stranger in the world of literature, I can 
truthfully say, " I am one of God's beloved." I was 
born in New Comerstown, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
March 24th, 1847. My father, John Neighbor, my 
mother, Nancy Neighbor (nee Nancy Tucker), both 
were Christians, life-long members of the Methodist 
Church. My dear sweet mother was called away 
when I was five years old. Eighteen months later 
my heartbroken father tried to provide, for myself, 
sister, and brother, another woman to take her sacred 
place. Soon conditions were unpleasant. The result, 
we three children found homes, or rather stopping 
places, elsewhere. Home was a misnomer. From the 
age of nine years I never knew the love of father or 
mother, but lived among strangers — all people were 
the same to me except those who appealed to my likes 
or dislikes. At the age of thirteen I joined the Chris- 
tian Church. Naturally a child of a sweet disposition, 



x INTRODUCTION 

I made friends, and soon I looked upon life as God 
directed me. When storms of adversity came later 
in life, and domestic troubles overwhelmed me, I did 
as best I could. I found comfort in doing for my four 
little ones. As the years rolled by, I have still found 
comfort in doing for others, so that my entire life 
has been devoted to those I love. My literary work 
is a pleasant diversion. I attended school six months 
at the age of seven and three months at the age of 
eight. I taught myself to write when twelve years 
old. My whole nature has ever responded to the 
beauties of nature until life was only a sweet revela- 
tion of nature. I have found such sweet comfort 
and happiness in expressing my thoughts, my senti- 
ments of love and admiration for all things beau- 
tiful in verse and song, I am made supremely happy 
in giving of my God-given talent in poetic gems — 
To The World I Love. 

Author. 



PREFACE 

TN offering my little book of poems and songs under 
the title, " To the World I Love," I desire to say 
that I am giving to my friends and loved ones the 
best that is within me. The gift of song and verse, 
a natural gift to me from God, I have written of 
that which appeals to me from nature and by nature. 
God's sun has shone on me brightly. The winds 
have blown o'er me gently. The skies have been 
azure blue above me. Spring has assumed her dress 
of freshest green. Summer has blest me with warmth 
and radiant loveliness. Autumn has cheered me with 
its glorious glowing tints of foliage, tree, and flower. 
Winter has wrapt me in dreams of bliss eternal, 
caressing tenderly with every touch of nature wrought 
by the hand of God. Not one atom of all His 
wonderful handiwork has failed to receive of my 
love and admiration; all these sources have been my 
inspiration, my life's uplifting, my guide and beau- 
tiful lessons of life. With my thoughts tempered 



xii PREFACE 

with these sweet reflections, I give all that God has 
so generously given to me, the songs of my heart, 
the gems of thought, 

" To the World I Love." 

Mrs. Louise Coulson. 



POETIC GEMS TO THE WORLD 
I LOVE 



A TRIBUTE TO JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL 

/"\H, sparkling thought 

That flashed to thy pen, 
Gathering the beauties 
Of mountain and glen. 

Quick to encompass 

A world of wrong; 
Sending meteors of light 

To the suffering throng. 

Darkness of slavery 

Kissed the gleam of thy pen; 

Brightly rending asunder 
The thraldom of men. 

Though still thy hand, 

From thy pen flows on 
The grandeur of life 

In prose and song. 
3 



POETIC GEMS 

Flowers will bloom 

Where thy dust is laid — 
A tribute of love 

For the honored dead. 

Birds will sing 

On the boughs above 
The sweetest of songs, 

All thrilling with love. 

The breeze will waft 
From the shores of time 

The glorious requiem 
Of a life sublime. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 



A TRIBUTE TO REV. J. H. SEATON AND 
FAMILY 

Tf AREWELL— we'll not forget thee, 

Nor the loved ones by thy side; 
May Heaven's hand protect thee, 
Nor let one ill betide. 

In the land to which thou goest, 
Where mount and vale enfold 

The little group thou tendest, 
Protector of the soul, 

May joy and gladness greet thee, 

A welcome pure and sweet; 
A harvest for thy garner, 

Love's pathway for thy feet. 

And when again thou standest 
'Twixt the living and the dead, 

To represent the body, 

To Christ, the living head, 



POETIC GEMS 

Oh, then wilt thou remember, 
In accents soft and low, 

That thy little flock may meet thee 
Where living waters flow? 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 



ACROSS THE BARREN WASTE OF LIFE 

ACROSS the barren waste of life 

We see the golden phantom lost; 
The dawn was radiant, but oh the strife, 
Of conquering unseen foes the cost. 

Oh, wailing dirge that floats across 
The dark morass of deep despair, 

Bearing the burden; oh, Holy Cross, 

We cling to Thee, white, gleaming, fair. 

And wandering back to youth's bright dream, 
Along the paths all flower love strewn, 

How sweet, how bright the bay leaves gleam; 
And memories strong with bells attune. 

We call, from out our course waft echoes back, 
Youth comes but once, the old refrain; 

Then wandering o'er life's beaten track 
The heart outlives all strife and pain. 



POETIC GEMS 

Across the barren waste of life, 

Through glimmering mists of hope and fear, 
God lifts the veil; — lo, cease the strife, 

And all life's mysteries are then made clear. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 



ABIDE WITH ME 

TXTHEN storm-clouds of sin overtake me, 

And from them I would flee, 
Come Thou, Lord, to the rescue. 
Abide with me. 

In Thy dear arms enfold me, 
Then safe from sin I am free. 
Dear Lord, to Thee I am clinging. 
Abide with me. 

When the mists are gathering around me, 
Dear Saviour, hear my plea. 
Give me Thy hand of courage. 
Abide with me. 

Safe in Thy care I would be. 
And from every sorrow I'd be free. 
Come Thou, Lord; I am pleading. 
Abide with me. 



io POETIC GEMS 



AFTER THE STORM 

' I V HE storm has passed, 

And where it raged but yesterday 
All is calm and still. 
The wild beast from out his lair 
Comes forth with gleaming eye 
To scan the mountain o'er. 
The broad and glittering plain 
Invites his wild and roaming will. 
Go forth, thou wild and untamed beast, 
Free as the air thou breathest, 
On hill and vale, 
Through sheltered heath; 
Even the river's brink 
Ends not thy desert trail, 
For thou goest at thine own sweet will. 
The forest is thy home, 
The clear blue sky thy dome, 
And all af nature's gifts thine own. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE n 



AUTUMN 

' I V HE day is dark and dank and cold; 

The eves are gathering the moss and mold; 
The vines and leaves have changed to gold; 
The dying year is nearly one year old. 

And yet there's cheer within my heart; 
Though friends may come and friends depart, 
The future brings sweet thoughts apart 
Of what life holds within my heart. 

Good-by, old year! No; stay. I hear 
The echo of a voice so sweet, so dear; 
You brought me only love and cheer; 
I am loth to let you go, kind year. 

I kiss thy face so sweet, so fair; 
Most beautiful face though aged with care, 
And my heart goes out with thee in prayer, 
May we meet again some place, somewhere. 



12 POETIC GEMS 



A BIRTHDAY INVITATION 



M 



ISS 



The autumn tints are bright and sober; 
My birthday comes the 26th of October. 
I will be five years old that day, 
And request your company for fun and play. 
You will have a good time, with goodies galore, 
From the time you come 'til you leave the door. 
I live at number 367 J street, 
And wish all of my little friends to meet. 
From 4 to 7 o'clock. 

[Note. — Written for my little granddaughter's 
fifth birthday, October 26, 1909.] 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 13 



AS THE DAYS ARE SLIPPING BY 

ARE we doing all we can, 

Never asking reasons why? 
Filling up life's little span, 
As the days are slipping by? 

Are we seeking good to do 
Where there's evil we descry? 

Blessing every day anew, 

As the days are slipping by? 

God will surely life prolong, 

If we ask and if we try, 
Filling every heart with song 

As the days go slipping by. 



14 POETIC GEMS 



A LOVELY MAY MORNING 

T> ATHED in the sunshine of a lovely May morn- 
ing, 
The birds singing gayly their songs of sweet spring, 
The green and the glory o'er nature adorning. — 
Oh ! the wondrous songs that each songster does 
sing. 

While singing the beauties, all nature is thrilling 
Each heart with a song of purest delight, 

The radiant glow forever distilling 

Through window and lattice a soft, mellow light. 

Oh, welcome, fair spring, with thy pleasures untold, 
Bursting to bud in the warm sun so bright; 

Sweet is thy fragrance as flowers unfold, 

While birds flit thither in their homeward flight. 

Wondrous awakening from thy long winter sleep; 

Flower and tree in spring garb arrayed; 
Kissed by the sun's rays lovingly keep 

Love everlasting on thy sweet face portrayed. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 15 



AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE 

A FTER all is said and done, 

All life's battles lost or won, 
Mother Earth takes back her own — 
After all is said and done. 

After all is done and said, 
In the grave our forms are laid, 
And we rest our weary head — 
After all is done and said. 

After all is said and done, 
And we make up life's little sum; 
Along the course by which we've run- 
After all is said and done. 

After all is done and said, 
Let the world our goodness read; 
Blotting out all thoughtless deeds — 
After all is done and said. 



1 6 POETIC GEMS 

After all is said and done, 
Life has lost, or life has won. 
The victory gained, the race is run- 
After all is said and done. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 17 



A SONG: " BEGONE, DULL CARE " 

T OPEN my eyes with the morning, 
I sing with the birds all day; 
Bright flowers my path adorning, 
And to you will only say : 

CHORUS. 

Begone, dull care, 
Nor set a snare 

To give us all the blues; 
Begone, dull care, 
I don't care where, 

For you I have no use. 

I hear the dear little children, 

As they laugh and shout and play; 

And nothing at all to hinder, 
But always to be gay. 

CHORUS. 

Begone, dull care, etc. 



1 8 POETIC GEMS 

The clouds may come in the morning, 
And be gone before noonday; 

Or if the rain be falling, 
To you I will always say: 

CHORUS. 

Begone, dull care, etc. 

For the sun is always shining 

In the hearts that watch and pray, 

On love and truth relying; 
And to you I will truly say : 

CHORUS. 

Begone, dull care, etc. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 19 



A POEM 

{Dedicated to Chopper Greenberry, " The Boot- 
black" — age eighty-two.) 

r\OWN in de South, de home of yo' race, 

Whar de co'n and de cotton grow, 
Is dar whar yo' got yo' good ole face? 
Yo' hair dat am white as de snow? 

It 'pears to me when I look in yo' face 
Dat when I was no higher'n yo' knee, 

I use to cry to take yo' place 

An' to think I could set yo' free. 

But dar was a higher power 

Dan a wee child's simple faith; 
The self-made man for the hour, 

Grand, glorious " Old Abe," saith: 

Liberty, freedom, to yo' race, 
Away with serfdom and slave; 



20 POETIC GEMS 

De quiet content beams in yo' face, 
A requiem of peace o'er his grave. 

Soon dey will lay yo' beneath de sod; 

May yo' spirit meet him in heaven; 
Returning to dust, yo' soul with God, 

To him that giveth, be given. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 21 



ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF " ANDREWS " 

{In Salt Lake City, Utah, 1884.) 

'I \ TE saw him in all of life's bright morning, 

Just as the roseate glow of manhood's pride 
Had crowned him father, husband, son — 
His cup of mortal bliss, his home allied. 

Oh, the fatal misspent bullet that so soon 

Should pierce the hearts so frail not over-strong, 

Turn all their morning into noon, 
Of life's fair day of love and song. 

The lips he kissed good-by are ashen pale, 

The babe whose fluttering breath was sweet per- 
fume, 

The aged mother whose grief moans out a wail 
Of deepest anguish, is wrapped in gloom. 

The wife, who, so late a bride in white, 

Crowned all his life with noblest womanhood. 

Alas, her days are turned to darkest night, 
With orphaned babe and lonely widowhood. 



22 POETIC GEMS 

Words appear as naught to appease the heart, 
So bereft of all that makes life dear; 

To see his face so full of love, to part 
In one short hour, to gaze upon his bier. 

May He who stilled the waves of Galilee 
Bid peace to her whose soul storm-tossed 

With grief, through faith to see 

That whom she loved is only gone before, not lost. 

And in that glorious resurrection morn, 

When all beneath the earth and sea awake from 
sleep ; 

Their image perfect in immortality born, 

Where there will be no sorrow, no cause to weep. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 23 



BUILDING 

13 UILD all along life's highway 

A path for sore and weary feet. 
Ever looking by the wayside 
For a smiling face to greet. 

There are many faces passing 
Whose story we may see, 

Are hiding many a heart-ache 
Away from you and me. 

Give them the kindly handshake, 
A smile that's sweet and true; 

That they may feel far better, 
And better you'll be too. 



24 POETIC GEMS 



BURNING OLD LETTERS 

/^\H ! the dead ashes of a dead love, 

Written in youth's fair summer day. 
Angels look down from heaven above; — 
See the sweet missives crumbling away. 

Years swiftly fly, we sit all alone 

Scanning the lines once so dear, 
Wondering where the silent loved one has gone, 

And the pages are blotted with many a tear. 

Shall we keep the sweet missives thus locked away 
Where the poor hungry heart can feast on its pain? 

Or burn them, throw the ashes away, 
And in the lone hours list the refrain ? 

Oh ! the dead ashes of a dead love, 

Whither they drift in their longing flight. 

Angels in heaven, look down from above; 
Bring back my love in those letters to-night. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 25 



BABY FEET 

f~\ H ! the pattering, pattering of tiny feet, 

The voice of baby, full of music so sweet, 
The touch of little hands soft as a velvet toy — 
Oh ! these fill home with wealth and joy. 

No pattering feet, oh ! how drear, 

No voice of baby, no melody near, 

No touch of a hand so tender and loving, 

Home would be robbed of all that's worth having. 



26 POETIC GEMS 



CHRISTMAS BELLS 

TJ ING out, wild bells, 'tis Christmas morn; 

Unto the world a Child was born; 
Lo, angels came with love-lit eyes 
And shepherds wondered, in glad surprise. 

Ring out, dear bells, tell the sweet story 

Of the Saviour of men, the King of Glory. 

The beautiful star to the manger led, 

There the Christ-child lay, where the beasts were fed. 

Ring out, glad bells, tell oh how sweet 
The shepherds knelt at His holy feet. 
A halo of light to them was given, 
The guiding star from earth to heaven. 

Ring out, sweet bells, tell all the world 
The banner of love was then unfurl'd; 
Ring out and tell, oh then, oh then, 
Peace on earth, good will to men. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 27 



CREATED THINGS 

\X 7 HEN God created all things of need, 

Timed days by measured hours; 
Tempered the seasons for planting seed, 
Created colors and tints for flowers. 

The generous gift was the crown of love, 
To brighten our lives in hours of gloom; 

So proves the power that rules above 

The happiest homes have brightest bloom. 



28 POETIC GEMS 



CAPTAIN HALAHAN, A HERO OF THE 
PHILIPPINES 

T?AR o'er the land were his victories won, 
Far o'er the land let his praises be sung, 
The flag proudly waves o'er the brave deeds done. 

Peaceful his sleep, fold his hands o'er his breast, 
Peaceful his sleep 'neath the lone mountain crest, 
Gone is the martyr, gone to his rest. 

Lay him to rest where the sweet breezes blow, 
Lay him to rest where the wild flowers grow, 
Sweetly he sleeps, in the soft summer's glow. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 29 



CONVICT TRACY: SUPPOSING HIM TO 
BE THE FIRSTBORN 

C WEET from the womb of love's young dream, 

Loved and caressed to a fond mother's breast, 
Strange is the tide in life's swift stream 
The ebb and flow, the billowy crest, 
Of the waves of fate, beyond control 
In the storm-tossed life of some lost soul. 

Stranger yet, that a human hand 
Stands ready (for pay) to slay another, 
Hounded and hunted throughout the land, 
No home, no refuge, father nor mother. 
Drenched the green sod with his last blood, 
He sends his soul to face his God. 

Will not the Great Judge who sits on His throne 
Sum up the evidence, then pause to decide; 
With forgiveness ready to take back His own, 
And the laws of men will thus deride : 



3 o POETIC GEMS 

" If from the cradle to the grave, My teachings you 

would do, 
Do unto others as you would have others do unto 

you." 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 31 



CHILDHOOD'S SORROWS 

"1 X ^HEN I was a child they called me a witch, 

Always repeating that old adage about a stitch 
If taken in time, would save nine. 

One day when mama was away 
I, cat and dog got into a fray. 
I was a sight, I am sure, to behold. 

But in screams, laughter and ripples 

My dress front done in dozens of nipples, 

For I wrapped and tied each hole with a string. 

When I awoke the next morn 
Think of my sorrow and scorn, 
To see what my mama had done. 

She had cut out the whole batch, 

And with a different color put on a big patch, 

And I had to wear it forlorn. 



32 POETIC GEMS 



DEPARTED 

f\ NE by one the leaves decay, 
One by one the roses fade; 
One by one friends pass away, 
One by one hopes low are laid. 

Brightest dreams of youth decay, 

Summer friends bloom with the flowers; 

Friends with roses laid away, 
Too oft recall the happy hours. 

I ope the casket of my heart, — 

Ah, me! dead leaves, crushed roses there; 
Love's sweetest tokens all faded lay, 

A blighted life lies buried there. 

Oh ! friend so dear, within my breast 
I hold a sacred place for thee; 

Mem'ries of thee in my heart will rest, 
E'en when death my soul sets free. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 33 



DEWEY THE HERO 

' I V HE best years of his life 

Have been given to thee, 
Fair nation, of conquering heroes blest; 
Extend the glad hand, welcome him 

Out on the deep blue sea, 
And pray that among his loved people 
He may find sweet rest. 



34 POETIC GEMS 



ENCHANTMENT 

/^\H! the glory of the sun, 

As it kissed the mountain peak, 
And shed its radiance over all. 

Oh ! the glory of the moon, 
As it kissed the maiden's cheek, 
Listening to her lover's call. 

Oh ! the glory of the stars, 
As they twinkled overhead, 
And led the faithful on and on, 

To a sea all glimmering, glistening, 
In its stillness calm and clear, 
Lending sweet enchantment over all. 

Oh ! the glory of the scene 
That met the longing eyes 
Of that chosen band of God. 

Oh ! the glory of the night, 

As it wrapped its mantle 'round, 

The sweet and peaceful slumber over all. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 35 



EASTER 

"LT AIL, all hail; the message bring: 

Christ hath risen — our Lord and King! 

Hail, all hail; let praises ring; 

Christ hath risen — our Lord and King ! 

Hail, all hail; death hath no sting; 
Christ hath risen — our Lord and King! 

Hail, all hail; hosannas ring; 

Christ hath risen — our Lord and King! 



36 POETIC GEMS 



FLEETING JOYS 

JOYS that are fleetest 
Oft seem the sweetest, 
True to the heart's throbbing, 
Even though the soul's sobbing, 
Beating against fate's decree. 

Safe in love's embrace, 

Time the moments cannot efface; 

When the soul responds with joy, 

Love with love's alloy 

Flows into a tranquil sea. 

Hours of grief and sorrow 
Change into a glad to-morrow, 
Clasped to the heart in love; 
Bright gleam the stars above, 
Life's so light and free. 

Sing of the heavenly choir, 
Could the soul of love mount higher? 
Flowers will bloom along our way, 
Life and love, God's perfect day; 
Oh ! keep me close to thee. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 37 



FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY 

WILL write you a poem of the heart, love, 
Of birds with bright plumage and song; 
Of flowers that bloom eternally, love, 

The glimmering brook that glides swiftly along. 

There are days when the heart grows sad, love, 
When clouds of adversity obscure our sun; 

Yet there are days when the heart is glad, love, 
When some noble and generous deed we have 
done. 

There are those that are faltering by the wayside, 
love, 

Amid temptations that would lead to despair; 
They are as pure as the rose and the lily, love, 

And no faces, I ween, are more fair. 

There is a courage and faith born of self, love, 
That the cold cruel world will never have crushed; 

'Tis the soul of humanity in the Christian heart, love, 
And will live when death our lips have hushed. 



38 POETIC GEMS 

There is a beautiful world beyond this, love, 
Where all is joy, and peace, and rest; 

We will meet our loved ones there, love, 
Among the crowned — the immortal blest. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 39 



FOR A LADY'S ALBUM 

HEAR the bells a-ringing, 
Tuneful voices singing; 
May your heart be filled with gladness 
And never know the sadness 
Of the friend who penned these lines. 

May love and joy greet thee, 

God's love and care be with thee; 

Thy years made sweet through happy hours, 

Thy pathway decked with brightest flowers; 

God be with thee, God be thine. 



4 o POETIC GEMS 



GATHERING FLOWERS FOR GRANDMA 

(^ ATHERING flowers for Grandma, 

With fingers nimble and fair; 
Gathering flowers for Grandma, 
Sitting in the great arm-chair. 

Gathering flowers for Grandma, 
With her face so calm and sweet; 

Gathering flowers for Grandma, 
Where earth and heaven meet. 

Oh ! the flowers are of heaven, 

Grandma is with us still; 
The flowers are God's blessing 

Gathered from off His hill. 

Gathering flowers for Grandma, 

To brighten her cosy room ; 
Gathering flowers for Grandma, 

To cheer her journey home. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 41 



HIS MESSAGE 

' I v OSSING in rapture, each crest on the wave 

Lashing the shore, with its spray; 
Ever the deep, deep song of the sea, 
Sad, solemn and sweet alway. 

Bursting in song, thrilling each heart, 
Filling green woodland and glen; 

Comes His glad message of love, 

" Peace on earth, good will to men." 



42 POETIC GEMS 



I AM WAITING, DARLING 

[ AM waiting, darling, waiting, 
For thy footsteps at the door; 
I am waiting, dearest, waiting, 
As I oft have done before. 

I am waiting, sweetheart, waiting. 

Where art thou, why dost thou stay? 
I am lonely, heartsick, fainting, 

At thy long, so long delay. 

I am waiting in the gloaming, 
Patient waiting night and day, 

Wondering where thou canst be roaming, 
Be it near or far away. 

I am hungering, yearning, longing, 
For thy love and fond caress, 

As of yore on thy returning, 

When you'd clasp me to your breast. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 43 

Hold me close, oh! dearest treasure; 

Ne'er forget my love is thine. 
All earth's purest, sweetest pleasure 

Around my heart with thee entwine. 

Naught of all of earth's possessions 
E'er can woo my heart from thee. 

Oh ! the sweet and full confession 
Gives my soul to thee so free. 

Never doubt the heart that loves thee, 
Ev'n when dark the clouds do frown ; 

Ever will my heart cling to thee 
Till the darkest hours of dawn. 

Breaking through the mystic archway, 
Glorious, radiant, burnished gold. 

Lighting all along life's pathway, 
Till we reach the Shepherd's fold. 

I am waiting, darling, waiting, 

Once again thy face to see; 
I am hungering, yearning, longing, 

In thy arms again to be. 



44 POETIC GEMS 



I LOVE THEE SO 

n\ EAR heart, be mine, through weal or woe, 

I love thee so, I love thee so; 
Where'er thou art I long to go, 
I love thee so, I love thee so. 

I love thee so, no heart more true, 

No love more pure, more sweet, divine; 

My life, my all, I give to you; 

Be mine, dear heart; dear heart, be mine. 

Dear heart, be mine, through weal or woe, 

I love thee so, I love thee so ; 
If near or far, where'er thou go, 

My heart is thine, I love thee so. 

No thorns along our path we'll find, 

But roses sweet forever grow 
Around our hearts, when thus entwined; 

I love thee so, I love thee so. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 45 

Dear heart, be mine, through weal or woe, 

I love thee so, I love thee so; 
Where'er thou go, there I will go, 

I love thee so, I love thee so. 



46 POETIC GEMS 



I WOULD BE THERE 

AX T HERE songbirds sing sweetest, 

The wind swaying the trees, 
Where the roe's feet are fleetest 

In the soft summer's breeze, 
To know you are contented : 

I wish you all these. 

Where the brook through the meadow, 
And the willow grows near, 

Where under the shadow 
You linger, my dear, 

If I knew you were lonely, 
I would long to be there. 

Where the sun shines the fairest, 

The sky blue and fair ; 
The flowers bloom the brightest, 

And fragrant the air, 
To know you were happy, 

I would love to be there. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 47 



IN THE HAYING 

T N the haying and the reaping, 

When the droning bees are sleeping, 

Fragrant are the odors in the air; 
The clover blooms swaying, 
The humming-birds are straying, 

Sipping sweets from every blossom fair. 

The fruits on trees are hanging 
In the rosy flush of morning, 

Glinting in the sunlight fresh and fair; 
See the golden harvest ripening, 
Hear the pheasants' voices piping, 

The sickle gleaming brightly in the air. 

All nature generous bounty giving, 
Rewarding toil and labor loving, 

The bounteous hand divine seems fair; 
With hearts of love o'erflowing, 
Oh ! the reaping and the sowing, 

Fill our souls with earnest, grateful prayer. 



48 POETIC GEMS 



{In Loving Remembrance of little Paul Clark, son 
of United States Senator Wm. Andrews Clark, of 
Butte, Montana.) 

Q OFTLY the message came, 

" Come unto me," 
Fair as the noonday, 
Calm as the sea. 

Silent the watchers 

Alone with their dead, 
Sleeping so sweetly; 

Heeds not their tread. 

Gone with the angel 

Whose kiss stole away 
The soul of their darling 

From its tenement of clay. 

Grief-stricken loved ones 
Submit to the rod, 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 49 

Surely your darling 
Is happy with God. 



Across the silent river 

That flows forever on, 
Angel hosts were beckoning, 

And claimed him for their own. 



50 POETIC GEMS 



{In Memory of Mrs. Mary S. Mantle, the be- 
loved mother of United States Senator Lee Mantle, 
of Butte, Montana.) 

T^OREVER sleeping, sweetly sleeping, 

Resting 'neath the flowering sod; 
Lonely, sad, thy loved ones weeping, 
Bowing to the chastening rod. 

Mournfully the bells are tolling 
A sad requiem for one we love; 

Aching hearts in grief are calling 
To thy sweet spirit gone above. 

Ever mingling with earth's pleasure 
Were thy counsels good and wise; 

Ever will our memories treasure 
All thy virtues dearly prize. 

In our home thy presence lingers 
Round each hallow'd chair a throne, 

Touched by loving mother fingers, 
Mother hands forever gone. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 51 



{In Memory of My Friend, the late Mrs. M. A. 
Harrison, of Laclede, 'Missouri.) 

f AY her to rest from life's turmoil; 
Lay her to rest, she's free from toil. 

Lay her to rest whom we all love ; 
Oh, peacefully blest, her spirit's above. 

Lay her to rest, her soul's with God; 
Why should you weep o'er the green sod? 

Lay her to rest, motherhood her crown ; 
Many kind deeds by her nobly done. 

Lay her to rest in God's loving embrace; 
Love and caress her dear old face. 

Fold her hands gently across her cold form; 
The pearly gate's sentry will welcome her home. 



52 POETIC GEMS 



JUST US TWO 

"VTES, mother, it is forty years now, 

Since we sat at table, just us two; 
Your hair was not then white as snow, 
And your eyes were a clearer blue. 

Yes, yes, dear, I remember well, 

Your form was then so very straight; 

And you were so tall; well, well, 

I could scarcely kiss you over the gate. 

Forty years — where are the empty chairs? 

At table were places for ten; 
And rooms for all upstairs, 

And we were so happy then. 

The house seems so empty, mother, 
That I thought — well, I had thought 

I would sell out to " Seth," my brother, 
And take what the old home brought — 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 53 

Well, well, mother — why, dear, say don't now, 

Don't, don't cry like that, darling; 
Come, dear, let me kiss your brow; 

Oh, I'll never sell out; dry your tears. 

But, father, you surprised me so ; 

Why, this place is a part of our life. 
Forty years ! Oh, darling, I could not go 

From the first home I came to as your wife. 

Well, well ! No, mother, you are right, 
I don't believe that I could leave here; 

These rooms always seemed so bright, 

And I think 'twas you that made them so, dear. 

We will send for the children and all, 

We'll invite them to an old-fashioned feast; 

We might put on some fixings and have a ball, 
I'll kill the spotted heifer, she's a pretty beast. 

But nothing is too good when one starts in 
To cheer up old folks like I and you ; 

And this old house is too gol-darned big to sit in, 
Now we've got back to it, just us two. 



54 POETIC GEMS 



JUST AND RIGHT 

A RE we a nation without thought 

Of the lives it cost, the sorrow wrought. 
To wrench from ignorance a savage race, 
The spoils of war, and to efface 
From lives their alien rights? 

No ; ours the generous nation's fame, 
Wrongs to right, but not for gain; 
Perched high on freedom's banner, hoist 
The signal, " A righteous cause is never lost." 

Give freedom, liberty, all nations' creed; 
Live, and let live, each honest meed; 
Wear our laurels with love and pride, 
Honor our country for those who died. 

Their sacred dust is ours to shield 
Who gave their lives on battlefield; 
Their homes are ours, a sacred trust, 
Defile it not by pilfering lust. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE S S 

Those who live well know their needs, 
With loyal hearts give generous deeds; 
To those whose homes bereft, in gloom, 
Make liberty's field of glory bloom. 

The brightest pages that in history show 
Are those where love and mercy glow; 
Recording valor, with victory crowned, 
Centuries hence will be renowned. 

Then sheathe the sword, its work was done, 
When Cuba's freedom was attained; 
Leave time to wreathe the country's plain 
With waving grain and grape again. 



S 6 POETIC GEMS 



JILTED 

T? AREWELL, dear friend, nor deem me wrong; 

Another link time's changes sever; 
I find my love has grown so strong, 
That I can no longer call it clever. 

When summer's suns, so strangely set 

On what we thought was friendship's lever; 

To guide along our hearts that fret, 
Then find ourselves not even clever. 

Long since I found the thread of life, 

Drawn into the warp and woof so clever; 

I almost found myself your wife, 

For love was true and the magic weaver. 

Farewell — I will break the subtle thread 
Of which I find neither true nor clever; 

And leave the tangled ends to tell 

That it takes two loves to be the weaver. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE si 



JACK FROST 

JACK FROST went forth one winter night, 
And said to the wild woods: " You are a fright. 
You are wind-blown and ragged and brown; 
You look like a chill blast had made you frown. 5 ' 

{Four weeks later.) 

Jack Frost had passed on in his dainty way, 
Kissing the foliage in his gleeful play. 
A finger touch here, a caress over there, 
Wherever he went, left a picture most fair. 

A soft white mantle he spread over all, 
Clasped close to his heart each clear waterfall, 
He sprinkled with diamonds a glittering sheen, 
And a more beautiful landscape never was seen. 

So bright in the sunlight all a-glitter and white 
Jack Frost sped on in sheer delight. 



58 POETIC GEMS 

No artist could paint a more beautiful view 
Than Jack Frost presented to me and to you. 

{Written on the Northern Pacific Train going 
from Missoula to Butte, the week before Xmas, 
1910.) 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 59 



JESUS IS WITH ME 

p HOUGH I forget Him and wander away, 
Jesus is with me wherever I stray; 
Jesus is with me, He will not forsake. 
Oh, the sweet blessing for all who partake ! 

CHORUS. 

Jesus is with me, Jesus is with me, 
Jesus is with me, He will not forsake. 

Jesus is with me, no more will I stray; 
Jesus is with me each night and each day. 
Jesus is with me, to Him will I cling; 
His love and His mercy forever I'll sing. 

CHORUS. 

Jesus is with me, Jesus is with me, 
Jesus is with me, forever and aye. 

Jesus is with me, in sunshine and storm; 
Jesus is with me and keeps me from harm. 



60 POETIC GEMS 

Jesus is with me, on land or on sea, 
Guides me, protects me, wherever I be. 

CHORUS. 

Jesus is with me, Jesus is with me, 
Jesus is with me, forever and aye. 

(Respectfully dedicated to the Salvation Army.) 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE Gi 



LOVE IS OVER ALL 

T OVE is over all — 

Through every twinkling star, 
Shining the long night through, 
Bright gleaming from afar; — 
Love is over all. 

Love is over all — 
Kindling the heart to flame, 
The soul's true faith 
Sent in God's holy name; — 
Love is over all. 

Love is over all — 
'Tis friendship's golden chain 
Welded by faith and trust, 
Always the sweet refrain — 
Love is over all. 

Love is over all — 
Teach not 'tis but a name; 



62 POETIC GEMS 

The heart that loves is true, 
In darkest hours the same ; — 
Love is over all. 

Love is over all — 
Blithe heart of youth, 
Life's joyous summer time, 
Teaching God's holy truth — 
Love is over all. 

Love is over all — 
From the cradle to the grave; 
If we stand, or if we fall, 
God's love hath power to save;- 
Love is over all. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 63 



LOVE'S THRONE 

QOWING the seeds of kindness, 
Reaping a harvest of thought; 
Living in love's blindness, 

Happiness cannot be bought. 

Seeing with the heart only, 
Eyes closed to trivial faults; 

Honest deeds if but homely, 
With golden fetters wrought. 

Bind closer, dearer, lonely hearts, 
Their world inclosed their own; 

Kings and Queens, their parts, 
Enshrined, love's sacred throne. 



64 POETIC GEMS 



LOVE AND JEALOUSY 

/^\ NE life outlived; so swift, so sweet; 

Angels could not whisper one word more, to 
thrill 
The heart, with a fullness of love, so pure — com- 
plete, 

That all the world was radiant, my heart was still. 
To look! ah, Heaven was near, clouds roll away, 

Beyond the sea, beyond the gulf of waters waste. 
Love! what this love? Oh! glorious day to live; 

To breathe of Heaven's fragrant breath, to taste 
The cup of bliss, to rest the soul in peace. 
Sweet thought, too sweet to last; there lurks, 
Beneath the rose, a thorn — to pierce, to wound. 
The pangs, the pain, so fierce we faint, ah, no ; 
'Tis death, the soul has passed into immensity. 
And I think of one that I would have purged 
My soul of every hope of heaven to have 
Clasped him to my heart, all my own.- 
To know, not one link of love, however frail, 
Could chain him to another heart but mine. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 6s 

I live, I breathe; I walk the earth alone. 
The sun shines not so bright, the clouds do frown; 
A faded spray of locust bloom alone remains 
Reminder of the life of love I thought were all my 
own. 



66 POETIC GEMS 



LINES ON MOVING A PRINTING OFFICE 

/^OOD-BY, old walls, 
Begrimed you be; 
There are sad, sweet thoughts 
Attached to thee. 

Far into the night 

You have witnessed our toil, 
As columns we filled 

By the midnight oil. 

Columns of politics, 

The news of the day; 
Births, deaths, marriages, 

And many a fray, 

We've chronicled each day 

For many years; 
Ofttimes in gladness, 

Sometimes in tears. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 67 

We leave you now, 

For a shelter new; 
And with kindly thoughts 

Bid you adieu. 



68 POETIC GEMS 



LICKING THE PAN 

A MONG all the joys of holidays, 

Since holidays began; 
Was watching mother make the cakes, 
And wait to lick the pan. 

As we gathered in the kitchen, 
So bright, so spick and span, 

Impatient with the making, 
Longing to lick the pan. 

Cousin Sue and brother Bill, 

I, sister Jet, and Nan, 
All ready at the moment 

To grab and lick the pan. 

And oh, the scramble we did make, 

Smearing face and hand, 
What cared we? with noses smeared, 

We got to lick the pan. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 69 

Years have passed, I'm Granny now 

To Molly, Dick, and Dan; 
And as I sit a-watching them, 

I want to lick the pan. 



7o POETIC GEMS 



LOVE AND LIVE 

' I V HE sun shines brightly all along the way, 

The clouds may frown but flee away, 
While we live and love 
And love and live our day. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 71 



MY BABY 

(My First Verse written in 1867.) 

"VTOU have never seen our baby 

With his eyes of laughing blue, 
His dimpled hands so cute and sweet, 
His hair a golden hue. 

Oh, how he cries and kicks, 
And tries to scold and parley; 

He is our dearest treasure, 
My precious baby, Charlie. 



72 POETIC GEMS 



MOTHER LOVE 

TX7ERE all the world one unwritten scroll, 
And every tree, limb, and twig, a pen ; 
The mighty ocean turned to ink — 
And could I use them all, 
To write the depth of this wild 
Tumultuous, burning love for thee, — 
Ah ! do you think 

The wondrous page could half disclose 
In written lore of love in prose, 
The soul's great anguish, 
The doubts and fears, 
That encompass my poor heart 
While bathed in tears 
Of joy, or sorrow lost in woe? 
My only thought of thee, dear child, 
We can but part on earth below, 
To meet again in heaven above. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 73 



MIDNIGHT MUSINGS 

T SIT by the dying embers, 

Watching the flickering light; 
My face between hands hot burning, 
Yet cold is the silent night. 

Alone with the shadowy firelight, 
Pale images come and go; 

Faces of long-lost loved ones 
Come flitting to and fro. 

Two little graves close hidden 
'Neath sod and sweetest flowers; 

The tears will come unbidden, 
In the twilight's lonely hours. 

And the quiet shadows glimmer, 
The hours pass slowly on; 

And I sit by the fading firelight 
Awaiting the coming dawn, 



74 POETIC GEMS 

When life's dreaming shall awaken, 
On a morning fair and bright; 

Where all of life's painful mysteries 
Stand revealed in a glorious light. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 75 



MY SWEETHEART IS THE MAN THAT 
DOESN'T KNOW 

T70R years I have loved thee, 
With a love ardent and true ; 

A glimpse of thy face, all aglow, 
Fills me with rapture supreme, 

Alas! I am sure you don't know. 

Many seasons have come, and have gone, 
All pleasing reminders of you, 

Be it spring, summer, or snow; 
You are linked with each beauty in all, 

But still you seem never to know. 

When spring showers freshen each leaf, 
And flowers vie with each other in bloom ; 

Then I gather bouquets for my beau ; 
'Tis thee in my heart I'm loving, 

Yet strange, passing strange, you don't know, 

With a heart warm, ardent, and true, 
A love cherished in longing despair — 



76 POETIC GEMS 

To thee I would flee as the roe; 
With pride and devotion, ill-mated, 

And yet you are so blind you don't know. 

Yet 'tis sweet to love thee alway, 
With none to mar the delight, 

As I watch o'er thee, to and fro ; 
And what does it matter to you ? 

When you never — no, never — may know. 

They talk of a science profound, 
Where mind over mind may control; 

Do they not discover heart's woe? 
Truly, it is of no avail, 

If you never, never can know. 

Do the little birds never tell ? 

Do the primroses nothing reveal? 

Nor aught in the firefly's glow, 
The moon, stars, heaven's own dome, 

Enlighten you, in what you might know ? 

Nothing, I am sure, will you see, 
Nothing, I fear, will you hear, 

While I go on loving thee so, 
Truly it may be as well, 

If you are so stupid, and don't know. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 77 



NEEDLE AND THREAD 

T^EEDLE: 

"I have an eye for the beautiful 
Designs we could weave, 
With your kindly assistance, 
In flower, spray, and leave, 
In spider-web lace, cross-stitches so fine 
As to almost seem wrought by The Hand divine. 
You assisting, through mazes and swirl, 
I leading the way, through intricate curl." 

Thread: 

" Indeed, you are quite pointed and sharp; 

As my companion in harmony, you are my harp, 

But I hold the results, of our dearest ties, 

The beauties we see, with love-lit eyes ; 

You may guide the way, I trace the lines, 

Of beautiful rose, and graceful vines, 

Till the intricate pattern in harmony blends, 

When we together untangle the ends, 

And true and firm, remain good friends." 



78 POETIC GEMS 



NATURE'S CHILD 

'^JATURE'S sweetest child — she grew 

To nature's fairest bride; 
Crowned a wife, and mother too, 
In all a blessed nature's pride. 

Sweet as the sweetest flower, 

Fair as the fairest skies, 
Tender as the gentlest shower, 

Love seeing — through love's eyes. 

The world in brightest radiance shines 

From every leaf and flower, 
Singing a song of the fragrant pines 

Through the darkest midnight hour. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 79 



ON THE DESERT 

Z^UT on the desert, God's broad plain, 

Stretching away toward the setting sun, 
With lightning speed the roaring train 
Bears the weary traveler on, and on, 
To that sweet goal, where love's dear race is won. 



Out on the desert, sweet breezes blow, 
Caressing the eyes, the lips, and brow, 
And over all, around the sunset's glow, 
O'er plain and vale the twilight low, 
Gathers a mantle of mist and snow. 



Out on the desert, thou art not alone, 
God's angels hover o'er thy wandering way, 
And faith and prayer on the breeze is borne, 
A faith and hope that leads to day, 
And brightens the night the long lone way. 



80 POETIC GEMS 

Oh, out on the desert of life's highway, 
Borne on and on by the tide of fate, 
Past the green and gold on Nature's plain, 
Till we meet again at the welcome gate 
That opes to the hearts that love and wait. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 



OH! LIFE WAS SWEET WITH THEE 

r\ H ! life was swift and sweet with thee, 

Time's flight on wings of love was borne; 
The burning flame thou could'st not see, 
For every dross from self was shorn. 

So pure the white-winged dove of peace 
Brings back the olive branch of love; 

That thou alone may find release, 
With every blessing from above. 

The heart in rapture beats as free 
As sunshine gleams along the shore; 

Where sails and ships glide o'er the sea 
Of life's tranquil waves forevermore. 

May thou alone find sweet repose 

'Neath cloudless skies, and star-lit night; 

And every act of life disclose 

The truth in God, and bear thee light. 



82 POETIC GEMS 



OCTOBER 

' I V HE glistening frost on the autumn leaves, 

Turning to gold and amber red; 
Russet and brown, with yellow sheaves; 
The azure skies hang low overhead. 

Softly the kiss of the sun's last rays 
Lovingly lingers on the rugged hills, 

Reluctant to part with the dear summer days 
Or to hush the sound of the musical rills. 

The harvest is ripe, the season is o'er, 

Vineyard and field have yielded their best; 

The garner is filled, from rafter to floor, 
With bountiful gifts, and all Nature's at rest. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 83 



ONE SILVER STRAND 

TT lay upon a carpet of rose and green — 

One silver strand, glinting in the bright sunshine. 
And oh ! the story of lives that lay between 
It told of life's sweet way of me and mine. 

How oft on nature's carpet of green and rose 
We trod along our weary way, nor slept, 

But tried to guide the little feet and chose 

The paths, in rose and green, God's sunshine kept. 

Then bright with love and light so dear, 
The long, long way were bitter sweet. 

To-day there falls the tell-tale tear 

Upon the silver strand on the carpet at my feet. 

(Note. — Written Sunday morning, September 
22, 1907. — As I was combing my hair, I saw one 
silvery white hair had fallen on the carpet at my 
feet, and the thought came to me sadly of the years 



84 POETIC GEMS 

that had passed since my hair was such a beautiful 
golden brown, and when I was left with my four 
little ones, which were the joy, the love, and the light 
through many years of toil and love's devotion,) 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 85 



ONLY A MINER 

f~\ NLY a miner; yes, there he goes, 

Up the street in his working clothes; 
He is covered with mud, a rent in his sleeve, 
But that is proof positive he is noble and brave. 

Only a miner; yet his soul is as white, 
As the stars that gleam in the dead of night; 
And his heart is as true, as grand his mind, 
As a king on his throne, or man you will find. 

Only a miner; but ah, the heart thrills 
As he passes you by on his way to the hills; 
Where, deep and obscure, God's treasures are found, 
Where he toils all day, far under the ground. 

Down into the bowels of the earth he descends, 
Thinks naught of the danger only a moment por- 
tends, 
It's a brave gallant band that comes up at midnight, 
Coming over the hill, each bearing a light. 



86 POETIC GEMS 

And again the heart thrills with a glad surprise, 
When we see the love light that beams in his eyes; 
And feel the warm clasp of his strong manly arm, 
We can only thank God that he is safe from all harm. 

To-day he is with us, to-morrow may be gone, 
On that long silent journey from which none re- 
turn, — 
Only a miner, yet there is many a tear, 
Of widow and orphan shed over his bier. 

There are desolate homes and lonely hearths; 
Babes who know not a father, from the time of their 

births — 
Only a husband to the widow, a husband of love; 
A father to the fatherless, who dwells above. 

All hail to the miner, who braves the ills, 
And the danger that lurks beneath the hills; 
May his life be blest with purest love, 
His final rest in heaven above. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 87 



OVER THE TRAIL 

F\OWN through the valley, 
Where the waving green 

Sways in the breeze so grandly; 
Down by the foot-hills 
In the sweet bunch grass, 

Where the cattle loll so blandly. 

We rode along in sweet content, 
Gazing the landscape o'er; 

The shifting clouds of beautiful blue; 
The river's winding margin, 
Green as a sward in a meadow low, 

Where the wild clematis grew. 

Soon we leave the lowlands 
And come to a river clear, 

Shaded and cool, rippling along; 
We rest 'neath the whispering willows, 
Filling our souls with a music new, 

Listing to the wildwood's song. 



83 POETIC GEMS 

Leaving the road for a narrow trail, 
Winding around the mountain, 

Over the rocks, through gorge and glen; 
God's walls built high and rugged, 
Touched here and there by a master hand, 

Gold, blue and rich carnelian. 

The wild, wild home of the mild-eyed deer, 
The elk with antlers lofty; 

Moss-covered caves where bruin sleeps, 
Snow-capped mountains distant, 
Craggy peaks, with their sun-kissed pines, 

Cloud-capped, while spring clouds weep. 

Over the trail we rode together, 
The twilight shimmering round us, 

Softly the moon rose over the hill, 
God's lantern high in heaven; 
We stopped for the night near a sparkling brook 

That flows on at its own sweet will. 

We talk of the trip over the trail, 
And marvel at God's temples, 

He built so grandly for our view, 
Along the trail that we two rode o'er, 
And we thanked Him for the lesson 

So grandly taught us two. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 89 



ON THE DEATH OF A LITTLE CHILD 

A LITTLE bud just oped, to close, 

And send its fragrance through the home; 
Too pure for earth, in silence rose, 

To sweetly rest on God's white throne. 

A little child shall lead thee where 

The pure still waters glide along; 
Beside green pastures grand and fair, 

Where angels sing sweet anthem song. 

Oh, hope and faith, thy anchor strong 
To hold thee near that haven's rest, 

Where all redeemed by Christ shall throng, 
Secure and safe on Jesus' breast. 



90 POETIC GEMS 



OUR LEADERS 

Tune—" Rally Around the Flag, Boys." 

(Respectfully dedicated to Wm. J. Bryan and 
John W. Kern.) 

\X7'E will rally round our leaders — 

Who are true, staunch and brave; 
Nor fear the cutthroat hordes 

But we'll meet them undismayed. 
With freedom on our banner, 

The sun-kissed hills resound 
With shouts of victory ringing, 

Where'er true men are found. 

CHORUS. 

Hurrah, boys, hurrah ! 

Stand firm and true. 
Cheers for our leaders 

Who have proven true to you. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 91 

We will rally round our leaders 

Who have never flinched with fear, 
But brave, true and steadfast 

To the land they love so dear. 
They are fighting for our homes, 

For the land we all revere. 
We'll support them to a man 

Without a doubt or fear. 

CHORUS. 

We will rally round our leaders — 

Who are fighting for our cause, 
In an honest, earnest effort 

To uphold our country's laws. 
They are braving every tempest, 

They are storming every fort. 
We'll land them in the harbor 

Of our people's safety port. 

CHORUS. 

Repeat the last verse. 



92 POETIC GEMS 



PRIZE POEM, NO. i 



CILVER BOW PARK, by nature meant 

To save the poor man from paying rent; 
It's cheaper to buy and build you a home 
Than from pillar to post forever to roam. 



The money you pay to the hoggish landlord 
Would furnish many luxuries for the family board, 
And, if you are wise, now, while you can, 
You will buy you a home, like a good, honest man. 

Your wife and your children will feel secure, 
To know you have made a home doubly sure, 
Instead of putting off, from time to time, 
As if buying a home were almost a crime. 

Be husband and father, let people say what they will; 
You nor yours want that home " over the hill "; 
You want a home of your own, with peace and con- 
tent, 
And pay to yourself that yearly rent. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 93 



PRIZE POEM, NO. 2 

F\OWN in the beautiful valley, 

Where you hear the song of the lark, 
The whistles of engines and smelter, 
Is the beautiful Silver Bow Park. 

On the east are the grand snow-capped mountains, 
Sending down their health-giving breeze; 

The dear silver streams fill the fountains 
That nourish the flowers and trees. 

A short pleasant ride on the motor 

Brings you into the city of Butte, 
Where you can buy any commodity 

From a mine engine to a basket of fruit. 

M. C. and Co. will sell you a lot 

For less money than can anywhere else be bought, 
And the deed they give you they guarantee, 

And they are as honest to deal with as men can be. 

(But I Didn't Get the Prize.) 



94 POETIC GEMS 



RESPONDING TO THE CALL 

' I V HEY rally by the thousands from every clime, 

The bravest and best, in manhood's prime; 
They gallantly march, a noble band, 
The fairest of youth from this fair land. 

Under the flag whose silken folds 
Enshrine the hearts of freedom's host, 
They tramp to the music of martial trend, 
Nor deem a righteous cause be lost. 

They sailed away in laden ships, 

With the hope of victory a song of home, 

Under alien skies across the seas, 

'Mong the dead and dying, the suffering moan. 

The wind a dirge beneath the palms, 
A whispered prayer for home and heaven, 
The angels waft sweet sounds of psalms — 
The victory's won for which they've striven. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 95 

Though the ships return with sails unfurled, 
With the silent troops so cold and still, 
Yet Victory ! Victory ! throughout the world, 
Fill every heart. Be done Thy will. 

The clamorous tramp is heard no more, 
But songs of peace forever thrill; 
All nations join from shore to shore, 
Clasp hands and pledge their hearts' good will. 



96 POETIC GEMS 



RURAL SCENES 

(Here and there the herds of cattle were lazily 
grazing. — Written on the cars.) 

A ND the lowing of the cows, 
The tingling of the bells, 

Are clearest, sweetest music to my ears; 
And my heart in pain is yearning, 
For other days, so like unto this, 

And my eyes are filled with tears. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 97 



SOME DAY I'LL KNOW 

VTOU say some day I'll know; — 

Sweet mystery, what will it be? 
That thy dear heart is drifting, 
As mine from me to thee ? 

Nay, say not so; the tide of life 

Slowly ebbs on to that sweet goal, 

Where time nor eternity changes 
The unity between soul and soul. 

Yes, some day of days we'll know 
Why the tired heart needs love; 

'Tis the food of the soul's sweet strength, 
The pilot that anchors above. 

The storm in mid-ocean may sweep 

Over our souls, as we stand 
Firm as a rock, fearing naught, 

Love's heart to heart, Love's hand in hand 



98 POETIC GEMS 

The waves recede, we are swept away, 
But together in love's embrace, 

On the sands of time, we drift ashore, 
Clasped close, oh, loving face. 

Death has not changed that look of thine, 
But peace, content, brave conquest won. 

There, as here, we wander on, 
The life of love has just begun. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 99 



SILVER LININGS 

TNTERMINGLED with our sorrow, 

Comes an hour of sweet repose; 
That a future bright to-morrow 
Will greet us at life's close. 

Intermingled with the roses, 
There comes the stinging bee; 

Sipping honey as he poses 

Among the thorns he cannot see. 

Intermingled with the storm, 

There are flashing gleams of light; 

And in the rainbow's form 

There are glorious colors bright. 

Intermingled with the tempest, 
There are thunders loud and deep; 

Yet the calm tells of the conquest, 
That lulls the sea to sleep. 



ioo POETIC GEMS 

Intermingled with our sorrow, 
Comes an hour of sweet repose; 

And a future bright to-morrow 
Will greet us at life's close. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 101 



SPRINGTIME 

/^\H! Spring of the twentieth century, 
Did the sun ever shine so bright? 
The moon in more glorious splendor, 
Or the stars seem ever so light? 

The winds in a softer whisper 

Touch the cheek in gentler caress, 

Laughingly glide o'er the billows 
On old ocean's gleaming breast. 

The brook and the glittering rivulet 

Rushing on in greater glee, 
Gathering strength for their nuptials, 

When clasped in the arms of the sea. 



102 POETIC GEMS 



SONG OF THE SPREAD 



H 



OW often I wonder who wove the spread 
That covers o'er my dainty bed; 
The pattern so pretty, soft and clean, 
Was it woven by some fairy queen? 

With hopes of youth so fraught with joy, 
That the shuttle went flying like some toy; 
Instead of work, it were merely play, 
The warp and woof of a gladsome day. 

Methinks I see a golden head, 

With bright blue eyes, bent o'er the spread; 
And into the warp and woof of life 
There is many a thought of a happy wife. 

A husband dear, and children too, 

Hearts that love, and purpose true; 

And all day long the song of the loom, 
Chants the sweetest of melodies — home, sweet 
home. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 103 



SCHOOLDAYS 

A ND some time, some day of days, 

When the schooldays of youth are o'er, 
And all have gone their different ways, 

The mind will wander back to days of yore, 
And memory's lips will speak in praise 
Of those that made life's pleasant ways, 
Of these, the happiest of happy days. 



104 POETIC GEMS 



THE BEAUTIFUL LAND OF MY DREAMS 

SLEPT, and I passed through the land of 

dreams, 
And oh the sweet visions and the lovely scenes ! 
Green was the verdure and sparkling the streams, 
And I saw it all in the land of my dreams. 

A shelter composed of the glittering stars, 

With the great silver moon between, 
A glowing radiance of prismatic bars 

Cast over all a shimmering sheen. 

O'er all the land, the land of Nod, 

Where I walked by a silvery stream, 
And where I was led by the hand of God 

In my dream, my beautiful dream. 

As I walked and the dawn o'ershadowed my way, 
Till the rose tints of sunlight adorning, 

Made way for the glorious bright summer day, 
As I passed through the gates of the morning. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 105 

The night was so filled with guardians of light, 
The angels clasped hands with morn, 

The sun rose so grandly, majestic and bright, 
The new day in dreamland was born. 

But oh my dream, my beautiful dream, 

That I dreamt in the land of Nod, 
Where all was so silent, by the clear sparkling stream, 

And so safe in the hands of God. 



io6 POETIC GEMS 



THE UNSEEN HOSTS 

(Lovingly dedicated to the unknown and un- 
marked graves of the Soldier Dead. ) 

pHE bugle sounded the alarm of war, 
And aroused a man from his sleep; 
" Dear wife, there's danger afar," 

And he arose with a bound and a leap. 

In haste he gathered the accouterments all, 
Never a thought or a moment of fear, 

His country called, he answered the call — 
To his country, his wife and children dear. 

He offered his love, his heart, his life, 

He looked to his God for light, 
Could he offer more, babes and wife, 

All, all, for his country's right? 

Bravely he marched to the bloody strife, 
Fighting for home and the land he loved, 

Freedom, liberty, the stars and stripes, 
Lo ! the angels looked down from above. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 107 

They saw where he fell, pierced to the heart, 

And as he gazed at the starry sky, 
" I have given my all, good-by, we part; 

Dear ones, I am ready to die." 

He lay near a stream in the forest shade, 
With the hurrying feet of tramp and tread; 

No one ever knew where his grave was made, 
Yet the angels knew he was dead. 

His country provided no funeral pall — 

He was only " A Private " in rank, 
But no braver heart went out to the call, 

Though his title was simply Frank. 

The years roll on, he is well-nigh forgot 
By all, save by his wife and his babes; 

His country, his comrades, with never a thought 
Of the lonely grave in the glades. 

But, in a city's din 'mid drum and fife, 
With costly pageant, to a regal bier, 

With elegies loud, proclaim a life, 

That is held by many as brave and dear 



108 POETIC GEMS 

Not so, for the private who fought and fell, 
By the stream in the winding glade, 

No monument is raised to even tell, 
No sign by a hand is made. 

But ever anon when the springtime comes, 
That grave unseen is fresh and green, 

The birds' sweet carol is heard at morn, 
And no music more sweet I ween 

Was ever trumpeted by fife or drum, 
No elegies fraught with truer praise, 

Than o'er the tomb where the angels come, 
And nature's voices in requiem raise 

The grandest anthem e'er sung by choir, 
To the mighty nations of all the earth, 

The tender pathos, sweet, low, then higher, 

Till it reaches the mansion and lowliest hearth. 

And the silent dead so sweetly rests, 

A life so bravely given can ne'er be lost; 

The soul in peace on Jesus' breast 

Heeds not the crowning of the unseen hosts. 

(Note. — The ninth verse refers to Grant's fu- 
neral. — Author. ) 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 109 



THE MONTH OF MAY 

T> EAUTIFUL month of May, 

Bright with the brightest flowers; 
Fresh with your dress so gay, 
Washed sweet by April showers. 

Love's young dream goes straying 
O'er mountain, valley and dell; 

Nor stops where the sunlight is playing 
With the lily and bright bluebell. 

But wanders to shaded niches, 
Where there is a cool retreat; 

And the soft green mosses and lichens 
Weave a carpet for lovers' feet. 

And still in the quiet twilight, 

There are whisperings sweet and low; 
And fairy elfs, in glad delight, 

Dance round with hearts aglow. 



no POETIC GEMS 

Lips that speak what the hearts repeat, 
To love and friendship true; 

In the silent hours the angels greet, 
As the flowers greet the dew. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 1 1 1 



THE MOTHER'S CROWN 

"LTER crown of brightest roses, 

With violets here and there, 
The lilies of the valley 

So modest, sweet and fair; 

And in heaven her crown of glory 
All radiant shines, as stars 

Look down on bloody battlefields, 
Carnage, strife and wars. 

But oh, the shouts of victory 
That greet the angels' ears, 

Proclaim that woman triumphs 
And concede the victory hers. 



ii2 POETIC GEMS 



THE BABY SHOE 

T MOVED into a tenement, 

From where another 
Had moved out; 
And was looking all around, 
Here and there about, 
When a tiny baby shoe I found, 
Lying on the floor. 
Two buttons were missing, 
Two were yet secure ; 
Worn at the toe, twisted the heel, 
Yet how precious seemed the wearing 
And made my heart to feel 
How many weary steps 
Those little feet would have to take, 
Before conscious of the pathway, 
Or the brain be wide awake. 
To see the many pitfalls 
Strewn all along the way; 
Or to gather up the sunbeams 
That o'er sweet childhood play. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 113 

I asked God to guide those little feet, 
And I kissed the little shoe. 
Though we may never meet, 
And I knew not when or who 
Had cast away the little footwear 
That touched my heart with pain. 
Did it recall dear little feet 
That for years in the grave had lain? 
I had kissed and loved so often, 
And prayed that they might not stray 
Away from the fold of God's wee lambs, 
Not even for a day. 

" His " shepherd called to take them 
To His fold, "He" kindly blest; 

And the precious feet, so dearly loved, 

Were gently laid to rest. 

Yet I sigh and often wonder, 

Had I kept those little feet, 

Would they have walked the paths of sin, 

Instead of the golden street. 

And I hope beyond death's portals, 

They walk beside the blessed Saviour, who 

Blessed them. And I kiss the little shoe. 



H4 POETIC GEMS 



THE OLD, OLD STORY 

SIT by my window watching 
For the form I love so dear; 
He is out a-playing poker, 
And filling himself with beer. 

I have petted, caressed and pleaded 

As only a woman can; 
I have stormed and raised " Old Harry " 

With this precious, darling man. 

Has home lost all its attractions? 

I am sure it is neat as a pin; 
But it does not seem to matter, 

He is a slave to poker and gin. 

I shall change my carpets for sawdust, 
For kegs and bottles make room, 

Buy a card-table, cards, cigars and pipe; — 
Perhaps that will keep my darling at home. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 115 



THE DYING DAY 

r\ H ! glorious golden-gilded sky, 

Ever-changing tints in the far-off west; 
Another day is silently slipping by, 
Another soul sleeps on thy breast. 

In the dark deep vista of coming years, 
Will the paths we tread be full of woe? 

Will the heart-aches ease by flow of tears? 
Will the burdens lighten as we onward go? 

May the evening of our lives be blest 
With the light of love divinely fair; 

May we sleep that last sweet sleep and rest, 
Free from all earth's grief and care. 



n6 POETIC GEMS 



THE BROKEN HEART 

'T^HOUGH the wealth of the world lay at our 
feet, 

High-sounding praises of millions be spoken; 
What were it all, to one whose tottering feet 

Stagger under the load of the heart that is broken? 

The spring with its beauties of flowers in bloom, 

The birds with their songs of gladness, the token; 
Ah! they bear naught of the gloom 

That burdens the heart that is broken. 
There is health for the ill, a balm for each wound, 

The face brightens for kind words spoken; 
But wealth cannot assuage, nor kind words heal, 

The poor weary heart that is broken. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 117 



THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD 

' I THOUSANDS of years have come and gone, 
Thousands of souls are passing on 

To that mysterious realm. 
We feel the air, the passing breeze, 
What is this — who are these — 

That guide the life ship's helm? 

Ofttimes the waves are calm and still, 
Yet the mighty waters do His will; 

How grand the unseen power! 
Again the stormclouds' thunders roll, 
And burst with fury o'er the whole, 

A wreck in one short hour. 

Alas ! adrift the helpless crowd, 
No refuge near, they cry aloud, 

In pitying mercy save ! 
Clasped in the torrent's wild embrace, 
Beseeching white, oh loving face 

Gone down in a watery grave. 



n8 POETIC GEMS 

No funeral pall, no cortege long, 
No mournful dirge, no peaceful song, 

No requiem o'er thy grave ; 
'Neath the rolling waves near the coral strand 
Where the sea moss clasps their cold white hand, 

God's love hath power to save. 

Down by the sea shells' pearly gate, 
Thousands are with them and only wait 

For the Master's call, Come home ! 
When the earth and sea surrender the band 
That have gathered together in that silent land, 

And the Father takes back His own. 

On land or sea, wherein they sleep, 

The trumpet shall call from the mighty deep, 

When one and all shall awake and stand, 
Redeemed from death, redeemed from sin ; 
And all will enter the gates within — 

God's saved and chosen band. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 119 



THE BURNING OF THE BRIDGE 

' I V HE advance army, fearless, undismayed, 
Braving the tempest of shot and shell; 
Following " Sheridan," on the Richmond raid, 
Where many a brave and good man fell. 

The stormy billows raging, dark and drear, 
The waters crossed, then came the command 

To burn the bridge, the enemy's near; 
Thus save the men from the Rebel band. 

The Colonel asked, " Has the rear guard crossed? " 
The answer was, " They are safely o'er." 

" Then fire the bridge, ere all is lost! " 
Was heard above the cannon's roar. 

The fuse was lit, the flames leaped high, 
When sounded the rearguard's signal loud; 

And the glaring light that illumed the sky' 
Shone pitiably down on the surging crowd. 



u 



120 POETIC GEMS 

" Cut the fuse, and quell the fire, 
Our general is on the other shore; 

Better face death than Rebels' ire, 

Or drench the ground with victory's gore." 

But flames nor flood ne'er daunted them, 
Our gallant general -dashed fearless on. 
Follow me ! " he cried to his men, 
And through the flames he led them on. 



While a shout of victory the heavens rent, 
By that gallant multitude of braves; 

And harmless fell the Rebel bullets spent, 
That might have filled the soldier graves. 

Sing paeans unto the honored brave 

Who stood so firm and steadfast there; 

Who stayed the flames his men to save, 

Heeding not the cannon's roar, or fire's glare. 

While time rolls on the written scroll 
Of brave deeds done by our gallant host, 

Who heed not the call of the scattered roll; 
Brave men that fell at their duty's post. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 121 



THE GOLDEN WEST 

{Respectfully inscribed to my esteemed friend, 
J. J. Campbell, of Pittsburg, Pa. ) 

\\T HEN to this Western land you came, 

No doubt our hopes were much the same — 

In search of unknown treasure. 
Through canons grand, o'er mountain steep, 
Through rocky gorges, dark and deep, 

There were many thoughtful hours of pleasure. 

From Pittsburg, city of smoke and roar, 
Far from dear old Endemore, 

I know your mind oft lingers. 
You long to see the loved ones there, 
Old Erin's daughters, fresh and fair, 

And feel the clasp of mother's fingers. 

Though Erin's shores are dear to you, 
And many hearts are warm and true, 
And love's young dream may waken; 



122 POETIC GEMS 

Yet, Campbell dear, my heart would woo, 
And breathe its quiet rest with you, 
In an honest love unshaken. 

May Western skies be ever blue, 

The flowers bloom more bright for you, 

In Utah's lovely valley; 
And wealth within your coffers roll, 
Until you reach the wished-for goal, 

As the merchant prince we rally. 

And when life's toil and care are o'er, 
On dear old Erin's happy shore, 

Your manly form may stand; 
And mother, sisters, friends, who're dear, 
Will shed the happy, joyful tear, 

And clasp your honest hand. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 123 



THE STRANGER KNIGHT 

CTRANGER knight, from the sweet Sunny South, 

Welcome to the land of the Golden West, 
From the balmy breeze of the orange groves 
To the mountain peaks with snow-white crest. 

From cottonfield and torrid clime, 
From the honeysuckle vines that cling 

Where the darkies croon their babes to rest, 
Where the sweetest songbirds sing, 

To rock-ribbed mountain gorges deep, 
We welcome you to our land of gold, 

Where the pick and shovel deal to man 
The treasures God's hills enfold. 

We welcome you, from your laurels green, 
From your fair sunny home by the sea, 

To the Golden West, where mineral is king, 
To the land and the homes of the free. 



I2 4 POETIC GEMS 



THE BIRTH OF A CENTURY 

/ I V HE clanging bells tolling the midnight hour, 
The hands on the dial in the old church tower, 

Moving with measured time, 
In silent prayer, with hearts bowed down 
The dying year receives the crown; 

Well done, thou faithful child. 

But hark! the chimes all trembling tell 
A newborn year, and all is well, 

With hope and faith we welcome thee, 
Oh ! bring us love, content and peace ; 
In thee all bloody wars shall cease, 

The human race exalted be. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 125 



THE WEST 

(\ H, glorious West, 

From every sun-clad hill, 
From every rippling rill, 
We bow to thee. 

Thy mountains' towering strength 

In grandeur gleams, 

Thy pure and sparkling streams 
With music thrill. 

Thy skies of azure blue, 
Thy cloud-kissed pines, 
Thy loving clinging vines 

O'er canons' rugged walls. 

Thy breezes' sweet fragrant touch 

Brings life and love. 

Pure as heaven above, 
We worship thee. 



126 POETIC GEMS 

All nature sings thy praise, 
Thy pleasures, dear delights, 
Thy star-gemmed nights. 

Sublime art thou indeed. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 127 



THE BEAUTIFUL HILLS OF MARYLAND 

/^\H! beautiful hills of Maryland, 

Renowned in song and story, 
Touched by nature's artist hand, 
Robed in all your glory. 

In golden browns and purplish mists, 
Greens and reds, tans and blue, 

Flaunting upward to be sun-kissed, 
In all your royal hue. 

Grandly serene to the passing eye, 

No wonder in your glory 
You inspire the muse in the passer-by 

To write you in song and story. 



128 POETIC GEMS 



THE BEAUTIFUL GIANT SPRING 

{Discovered by Lewis and Clark, 1830. Near 
Great Falls, Montana.) 

T3EAUTIFUL gems of emerald green 

Lie in thy treasures deep, 
God's mysterious power unseen 

Forever in mystery keep 
From sight thy fountain-head, 

Coming from whence or where, 
Out from the depths are led 

To the sunlight and fragrant air. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 129 



THE SHEPHERDS 

' I V HE sunset's glow is on the leaf, 

The purple clouds hang o'er the heath; 
The lowing of the kine is heard afar, 
And lo ! they see the guiding star. 



130 POETIC GEMS 



THE NEWBORN BABE 

' I V HE sun went to sleep 

In the gorgeous west; 
Night silently wrapped her 
Slumbering robes around 
Earth's tranquil breast; 
The day's turmoil has ceased, 
The flowers droop low their blooms; 
One by one the stars come out; 
Grandly sublime the moon 
Looks down o'er nature's slumbering heads. 

Close shut in 'neath a cottage roof 

A young wife lay in anguish and travail; 

Down into the shadowy depths of death 

Slowly and faintly comes a fluttering breath, 

A wailing cry — life lifts the veil; 

And the almost senseless form 

Gasps back to life, to a newborn love. 

Death glides away, no victim yet 

God's will decrees, two souls unite — 

A mother's love is infinite. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 131 



THE BABY'S DEATH: FIVE WEEKS 
LATER 

CWEET babe, thy sufferings ended, 

Thou art gone from thy mother's breast, 
Loving hands thy frail days tended; 

Heaven so willed, and God knows best. 



132 POETIC GEMS 



THE SOUL'S UNREST 

IV/TY soul's unrest, with sorrow riven, 

Longing to flee to thee, dear Lord; 
Storm-tossed, with lightning's flash, 
The thunders roar o'erhead. 
Bewildered, I grope to find the way. 
All through the night I call to Thee; 
Out on the night winds falls Thy answering voice- 
Afar, so far it seems some distant echo. 
Peering through the mists, the shifting clouds, 
My vision, though dimly obscured, 
Catches one ray of light — the morning star: 
The dawn of hope; and led by thee I come, 
No more by earth enthralled, 
No more by sin cast down. 
I raise my eyes to thee; 
I reach my hands, I plead my cause. 
When, lo, I hear the rustle of angel wings, 
And sweet and swift am borne along 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 133 

To the river's brink. There white sails are set; 
Our ships have met, with sails unfurled, 
Drifting out to sea — all peace and rest. 
So sweetly blest in finding thee. 



i 3 4 POETIC GEMS 



THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE 
SWORD 

/ "T A HE pen is mightier than the sword. 

I cannot use the sword, I can the pen. 
With Thee to guide my hand, dear Lord, 
To save life's battle to our fellow-men. 

The struggle and strife oft rages strong, 
When peace should ever reign supreme. 

Teaching those who are in the wrong 
To look to Thee, Thou God benign. 

Then guide my hand aright, dear Lord, 
Nor withhold the pen of mighty power. 

May I wield it safely, sheath the sword, 
And crown with peace a nation's tower. 

That the sons of men from every clime 
May see the emblem wrought with pen, 

All set with brilliants that ever shine, 

Proclaiming — Peace on earth, good will to men. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 135 



THE OTHER SIDE 

\\T HEN all life's ships have reached that shore, 

When they have anchored for evermore, 
The throngs whoVe climbed life's rugged hill 
To do the Master's loving will, 
Will stand on God's dear summit's mount, 
Nor deem the ills of life will count 
Against the good we've left behind, 
While casting ills to the fickle wind. 



136 POETIC GEMS 



THE BUCKET BRIGADE 

T F storms of adversity gather thickly o'erhead, 

And burdens of crime on you laid, 
Remember the bravest and best of our men 
Are the men in the bucket brigade. 

If the father be ill, nigh unto death, 
There is an assurance, be not afraid; 

The wife and little ones will find a friend 
Among the men in the bucket brigade. 

If the larder is low and hunger be nigh, 
Be sure there will come to your aid 

The generous hand from the souls of men, 
The men in the bucket brigade. 

You may talk of heroes on land and sea, 
Men of whom heroes are made, 

Fighting for self, or to save their pelf; 

But they're not the men in the bucket brigade. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 137 

You may laud to the skies, with cannon aboom, 
Those who by the battleship stayed; 

But do not forget there are others as brave, 
Though they walk in the bucket brigade. 

They tramp not to music, led by the flag; 

No government comes to their aid; 
But God never made better nor truer men 

Than the men in the bucket brigade. 

Sing paeans of praise to the honored brave, 
And to all who are true and staid; 

But remember the truest and best of men 
Are the men in the bucket brigade. 

Cheers for our heroes far and near; 

God bless those who are not afraid 
To stand by the men who serve them well, 

Though they belong to the bucket brigade. 



138 POETIC GEMS 



THE WORKINGMAN'S LAMENT 

(~\ H, wild and raging winds 

That through my windows whizz, 
Is there not really on this earth 

A gentleman in " biz " 
Who's on the square with his fellow-man, 

Who treats him like a brother? 
The wind gave a wilder screech, 
And answered: No — they would rob 

His mother. 

And thou, great gulfs, 
And the murky bay 

That flows past many a door, 
Is there no roof nor goal 

To shield the million poor? 
With a turbulent swirl 

And roaring sound, 
It sputtered: No, not on 

The ground. 

And thou, oh, silver moon, 
In all thy wondrous flight, 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 139 

Is there no corporation 

Who allows a man the right 
To say " My soul's my own " ? 
With eyes so wildly rolled 

I thought he'd have a fit, 
With face contorted, strained, 

He answered: Nit. 

Then oh, my hungry soul, 

Longing through years of strife, 
Oh, will we find in death 

What we've lost in life? 
The soul in such unrest, 

Peering beyond the clouds, 
And smiling, said: " Heaven is best"; — 
But the trusts have raised the price 

Of shrouds. 

The wind and wave, 

The moon and sun, 

My hungry soul, unite as one; 

We cannot live, we cannot die, 

We cannot eat corporation pie, 

But hope the mighty host of men 

Will see this nation free again. 



i 4 o POETIC GEMS 



THE SILVER SLUMP 

{Respectfully dedicated to the Army of the 
Common Weal.) 

/^LUGGITY, gluggity, gluggity, glump— 
We are in the silver slump. 
Old Cleveland sits in the White House chair, 
And 'twas our votes that put him there. 
We thought, of course, he would treat us fair; 

But the great fat lubberly gump 

Dumped us all into the silver slump. 

Gluggity, gluggity, gluggity, glump— 
We are wallowing in the silver slump; 

But we are going to Washington, and then 
We will beard the lion in his den. 
He'll wish that he was in the pen, 
And regret his awful knowledge bump 
Had not understood a silver slump. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 141 

Gluggity, gluggity, gluggity, glump— 
We are marching out of the silver slump. 
We are the army of the common weal, 
And we will make old pomposity feel 
The weight of the laboring class's heel, 
Till he will go to a wall his head to bump 
For the hand he took in the silver slump. 

Gluggity, gluggity, gluggity, glump— 
When we emerge from the silver slump 
We will bid farewell to the two old clans, 
And hold the reins in our honest hands, 
And see who rules our government lands. 
We will banish from power the bought-up chump 
Who gave us this undesirable silver slump. 



1 42 POETIC GEMS 



THE OLD BELL COW 

{Old Brindle was the children's pet.) 

pUT the bell on old Brindle, 

She's so wonderful wise, 
She comes home so faithfully, 
With that look in her eyes 
That says ever so plainly, 
" See, they all follow me." 

Why the bell on old Brindle — 
Would not old Red do as well? 

No, no, she might stay away, 
Or she might lose the bell. 

And none of them come 

But old Brindle alone. 

See her look up when I call, 
Dear old Brindle, loved by us all. 
Oh, you dear silly child, 

How you do make me laugh, — 
Our wise old Brindle 

Comes home to her calf. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 143 



TO THE SPOKANE RIVER 

X) EAUTIFUL river, from whence thou flowest? 

Sparkling so brightly where'er thou goest, 
Rippling along with thy gentle song, 
Whether the mountain or valley along. 

God shook out the folds of a bridal veil — 
It was a mist of vapor, and spread out a trail, 
And hither and thither passed on in a quiver, 
Thus forming thee, O beautiful river. 

Once none knew thee but wild nature's own — 
Beasts, reptiles and birds sipped all alone, 
Laved in thy bosom, drank at thy tide. 
Save when the red man and dusky bride 

Came to seek out thy clear deep pools, 
Where the finny tribe mingle in sportive schools. 
Monarch of forest, nor did he ask thee before 
To supply his needs from nature's store. 



144 POETIC GEMS 

Yet he gazes now at thy throttled strength, 
Thinks thou wouldst be leaping at cable's length. 
But the hand of man has caught thee at last, 
And by his power he holds thee fast. 

Tor the use of nations thou hast girdled the bands 
To feed those who are waiting in other lands. 
Thou leapest o'er falls in laughing glee, 
O beautiful river, flowing on to the sea. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 145 



TO MY SISTER " JET," ON HER SIXTY- 
EIGHTH BIRTHDAY 

]\/r AY shadows never come, 

And all thy days be bright; 
Love's sunshine in thy home, 
Rest and peace at night. 

" Sis." 
February \th } 19 12. 



146 POETIC GEMS 



TO A FRIEND 

OAST are the happy hours, 

Gone are the dreams of love; 
Faded the beautiful flowers, 
Dim are the stars above. 

The storms of life near ended, 
The calm waits for the tide; 

Our souls in love are blended, 
Death weds a spirit bride. 

On the vernal banks I'll greet you, 
When life's bark is anchored o'er; 

At heaven's gate I'll meet you, 
To part, no, never more. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 147 



TO AN ABSENT FRIEND 

' I V HE shades of night are falling, 
O'er mountain, vale and dell; 
A still small voice is calling: 
All is well ! All is well ! 

Through the twilight stars are gleaming, 
O'er a land that's bright and fair; 

Thy absence is but seeming, 
We know that thou art there. 

May the roseate glow of the sunset, 
Throw its radiance o'er thy home; 

Kind hearts with love will ne'er forget, 
But wait 'til thou art come. 



148 POETIC GEMS 



TO MY FRIEND, J. S. 

P\EAR friend, since I have met thee, 

My heart has gone from out my keeping; 
And wandering far, it lingers near thy home. 

Ah, why did I think my better thoughts were 
sleeping? 
When but thy touch, thy voice, could bid me roam 

To fields Elysian, where sunny skies are blue, 
And meadow, field and glen are ever vernal; 

Where feathered songster mates so gently woo, 
That life and love are both supernal. 

Where mountain tops, so grandly towering, lift 

Their crested peaks toward the glorious sun; 
Where daisies hide beneath the cliffs 

That kindly shield thy lovely home. 
'Tis sweet in thought to wander far, 

To where I know you dwell in peace; 
'Tis like a hope, a guiding star, 

Where love and friendship never cease. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 149 



TO OUR HEROES 

^pHE living flag! 
A tattered rag ! 

What glory lies between ! 
The aged sire 
Once stood the fire 

In blood, a running stream. 

What glory wrought 
By those who fought 
For Freedom's mighty host ! 

The feeble tread, 

The silvered head, 
Tell all too plain the cost. 

Oh, glorious day 

When ends the fray; 

And human love, o'er all, 
Forgives the deed 
Which sowed the seed 

Of bitterness and gall. 



i$o POETIC GEMS 

Oh, dearest ties, 

So near you lies 

Our hearts' best love, 
We fain would keep 
From that long sleep, 

The call from heaven above. 

In tears we greet 

Those passing feet 

That step so near the end; 
With love's caress 
We ask: God bless 

You; may He be your Friend. 

Smooth down the way, 

Oh, Lord, we pray, 

For this Thy cherished band; 

Blessed heroes all, 

At Thy roll call 
Extend to each Thy hand. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 151 



THERE IS ALWAYS SOME GOOD SOME- 
WHERE 

' I S HERE is always some good somewhere, my 
dear; 

There is always a heart responds to our grief; 
There is always love in the silent tear; 

There's the helping hand that brings relief. 

There's the sunshine bright on our hills so steep; 

There's the laughing brook in our valleys low; 
And the stars shine bright o'er our troubled sleep; 

The night's soft breeze cools our fevered brow. 

There is always some good somewhere, my dear. 

It's the heart that feels and the love that's true, 
With never a thought of selfish fear, 

But the love of God 'twixt earth and you. 

The gentle rain brings the promised flower, 
And the trees put forth their tender leaves 

God's fields assure the harvest is ours, 

When the grain is bound in the golden sheaves. 



152 POETIC GEMS 

There is always some good somewhere, my love. 

'Tis in every call of the heavenly winds; 
It comes through the clouds from the skies above 

And lingers long in the purest minds. 

There is always good in the love that cheers, 

There's the warm handclasp and the sweet caress. 

There's the safe retreat that dries our tears, 
That brings us joy and relieves distress. 

We will find the good somewhere, my dear, 
As we roam God's fields of pure delight. 

Though the sun shines not and the world looks drear, 
The Love of God shines ever bright. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 153 



THERE IS NO DEATH 

'"pHERE is no death: 

The stars that shine above, 
In glorious splendor bright, 
Illume some other sphere, 
And gild again our sky at night. 

There is no death: 

The sward, the flower and tree alike 

Have shrunk from winter's cold; 

Yet spring revives, each root sets free; 

Again there h life in all we see. 

There is no death : 

The human forms lie cold and still, 

And we call them dead; 

The life that pre-exists by all unseen 

In some vast beyond in spirit dwells serene. 

There is no death : 

What we call death is simply changed 



154 POETIC GEMS 

By God's own hand behind the veil; 
Of wisdom great, our vision dimmed, 
And yet we feel that life prevail. 

There is no death : 

The universe is life, 

The sky above and every glittering gem, 

The earth with tempest battling strife 

Conquers by an unseen power, 

And proves there's life. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 155 



THERE IS JUST ONE MISSING 

A HYMN 

'"TpHERE is just one missing, missing; 

Oh, say, tell me where is he? 
Is he out on the wide world, drifting, drifting; 
Out on the raging sea? 

Where storm-tossed, alone, and weary, weary, 

Longing for rest, sweet rest; 
No haven of refuge, and dreary, dreary; 

Oh, gloom and sorrowing quest ! 

Return to the portals, dearer, dearer, 
Where God's spirit dwells in peace; 

Walk close to Him, and nearer, nearer, 
Till all thy sorrowings cease. 

When blest by the God, eternal, eternal, 

The glorious light revealed; 
His proven love, supernal, supernal, 

And every wound be healed. 



156 POETIC GEMS 



THERE'S NOTHING IN STRIFE AND 
CONTENTION 



/ "T A HERE'S nothing in strife and contention 

But blackened and torn pages of life; 
Far better to bury the dissension 
And cover with kindness all strife. 



The world is so radiant with beauty, 
God's plans are so lavishly given, 

So plainly is shown us our duty 

To make earth the entrance to heaven. 

Then sweet will be memories hereafter, 
When we have passed our earthly career, 

If we have left the sweet sound of our laughter 
Instead of a moan and a tear. 

Our paths can be strewn with love's token, 
With slight actions of kindest delight, 

Silver links of a friendship unbroken 
Remain ever and ever more bright. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 157 

Then cling to the beauties around you, 
No matter if clouds come between; 

The flowers of love that will crown you 
Proclaim you earth's beauteous queen. 

The bells and the chimes ever ringing, 

Sweet music in harmony tells 
Of the voice in our hearts ever singing, 

In the home where harmony dwells. 



158 POETIC GEMS 



TIME'S CHANGES 

1858 

f\ LE aunty sits a-croonin' 

To dat little coon, 
De bees all roun' a-hummin' 
Dat honey '11 be done soon. 

While down in yonder canebrake 
Uncle Rastus' head bobs roun' — 

He is thinkin' ob de hoecake 
An' he cuts close to de groun'. 

Den long in de winter evenin', 

When de crops am often de groun', 

Uncle Rastus' chin rests on de ole violin, 
While he plays fo' de gran' hoedown. 

1898 

Dar will be a swell affah to-night, 
An' de coon wid de low-cut vest 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 159 

Will bahly touch de high-place light, 
But he'll do his level best. 



Miss Aramantha Jones will sing, 

Miss Clotilda Smith will play, 
And dey'll all dance de minuet 

Until de break ob day. 

An 1 den to close dis swell affah, 

Aroun' an' aroun' right to de chalk, 

Wid de grace an' swing of de young gazelle 
Dey'll do de gran' cakewalk. 



160 POETIC GEMS 



TRANSFORMATION BY IRRIGATION 

' I V HE bare and barren desert soil, 

Before the hand of thrifty man 
Reached out the sinewed arm of toil, 
Turned the non-productive land. 

Until the earth so teemed with life, 
The sun-kissed gleaming sod, 

Shone rich and thirsting for the rain 
Held in the reservoir of God. 

But now 'neath apple blossoms 

The children laugh in glee, 
Till the sound of happy childhood 

Resounds from sea to sea. 

And oh, the transformation 

Where the life in water's given, 

That makes the barren desert 
A glimpse of earthly heaven. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 161 



TWILIGHT HOURS 



/ T V HERE is a whisper among the foliage 

Of every leaf and flower, 
That speaks of heaven's hostage 
In this quiet twilight hour. 

And we peer into the darkness 
For the lining beyond the cloud; 

And there is a seeming brightness 
In the twilight's shimmering shroud. 



And night, with its soft dark mantle, 
With the starry vault above; 

The drowsy, lowing cattle, 
The cooing of the dove, 

Makes this the sweetest hour, 

Filled with the perfumed night; 

From all of the wild, wild flowers, 
Oh, beautiful, beautiful twilight! 



1 62 POETIC GEMS 



UNSEEN 

f~^ OULD we foresee the coming storms, 

O'er life's tempestuous sea; 
The wild waves sighing death's alarms, 
And hide from sight their prey. 

Could we foresee the little mounds 
In the churchyard, mossy green; 

So quiet moan the winds around, 
So very near they seem. 

Would we not anchor near the shore 

Of heaven's golden strand, 
To meet the loved ones gone before, 

In that bright and happy land? 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 163 



WAITING 

[ HAVE listened for thy voice, 
Till each sound is full of pain. 
Oh, my heart would but rejoice, 
Could I see your face again ! 

When the sky is dark o'er-laden, 
And the sun refuse to shine ; 

I scarce can bear the burden 

When I know not where is mine. 

Through the mountain gorge so dismal, 
Down the valley's winding glade; 

O'er the desert sands, hot burning, 
By limpid stream or shade. 

I know not where thou wanderest! 

If thy feet rest at the gate 
Of unknown flowery gardens, 

Yet my soul will surely wait. 



1 64 POETIC GEMS 

By the shores where the banks are vernal, 
Where souls by two paths meet; 

Where love will prove supernal, 
Where we rest our weary feet. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 165 



WERE IT ALL OF LIFE TO LIVE 

V^ERE it all of life to live, 
And all of death to die; 
Could we all our wrongs forgive, 
With neither tear nor sigh, 

Our life would be joy complete, 

Death eternal rest; 
Our toil's reward, love sweet, 

The silent chamber's guest. 



1 66 POETIC GEMS 



WHAT IS LIFE? 

^IX^HAT is life? a smothered sigh, 

A vain endeavor, hope deferred; 
God's will we live, a wish to die; 

Clasping hands, that once have erred. 

Hearts for love, souls to save, 
Poor weak humanity easily led; 

Oh, for the refuge of the grave! 
Better, far better were they dead. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 167 



WAITING FOR THE POSTMAN 

I" SIT by my window waiting 
For the tardy postman to bring 
A song of my heart, relating 

A love attuned to the sweetest string 

That e'er was strung to the harp divine, 
Of a soul whose purest thought 

Hath reached the heights of heaven sublime, 
In the music angels wrought. 

Will the white-winged missive bear 
Tidings of joy, of sweet delight, 

To lighten the weight of care, 
And brighten both day and night? 

Whatever it brings, be joy or pain, 

It is gladly welcome, as news from home ; 

And we accept the sunshine, as the rain — 
'Tis for our good that both hath come. 



1 68 POETIC GEMS 



WHEN SHE CELEBRATED HER GOLDEN 
WEDDING 

A GLEAM of the sunshine 

Of long years ago 
Glints through her hair 

That's now white as the snow; 
Yet she is as fair 

As a lily, I trow, 
With the calm of a true love 

That rests on her brow. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 169 



WIFE AND I 

TX TE met in the morn of youth's fair day, — 

The primroses' bloom, the roses' perfume, 
The meadow-lark singing his lay. 

The brook by the vale, bright rippling along, 
The mountain and dell, where grew the bluebell; 
Filled our souls with new music and song. 

We plighted our vows and sacredly kept, 
The thought in each heart was never to part; 
Lo ! an angel passed by, and she slept. 

Ah! she was as fair as the beautiful flowers, 
In love and in truth, fair bride of my youth; 
Sweet memory turns back to those precious hours. 

When, clasped to my heart, I kissed thy sweet face, 
Blest treasure-trove, you left with thy love 
Two little ones, now in thy place. 



170 POETIC GEMS 

Sweet spirit of peace, from realms above, 
Soften the rays of the long summer days, 
As I list in my dreams the return of my love. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 171 



WHAT CARE I? 

\\T HAT care I for friend or foe, 

When I sleep beneath the snow? 
What care I for word that's cold, 
When I rest within earth's mold? 

Kind words give me here below, 
Love's caresses when I go — 
Then my sleep will be more sweet 
When I rest my weary feet. 

When the broken heart is still, 
Rests submissive to His will; 
When I've laid the crosses down, 
Gladly taken up the crown, 

What care I for friends or foes, 
When I sleep beneath the rose? 
What care I for words that sting, 
When the birds above me sing? 



172 POETIC GEMS 

Ah, the sunshine on my tomb 
Drives away all thoughts of gloom; 
E'en if clouds are dark above, 
All within is silent love. 

Resting e'er beneath the sod, 
Soul in peace, at home with God; 
Flow'rs in bloom in sweet perfume, 
Round the low white marble tomb. 

Need I care for friend or foe, 
When from earth I gladly go ? 
Sure and safe, oh, blest retreat, 
Nestling at the Master's feet. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 173 



WE ARE COMING 

Tl^E are coming, Grover Cleveland, 

A hundred thousand strong; 
We are coming with our votes 
To right this greatest wrong. 

We are coming as one brotherhood, 

And united we will stand, 
Until this gold-bug treason, 

Is banished from our land. 

We are coming from the south; 

We are coming from the west; 
We are honest, loyal people, 

And we are honest in our quest. 

We will govern those in power — 

'Twas our votes that placed them there- 

When they betray our trust, 
And deal with us unfair. 



174 POETIC GEMS 

They will see that labor's voice 
Is the power behind the throne, 

And that the producing class 
Is what this nation rests upon. 

We are coming from the mines, 

From the snow-white field plantation; 

We are for the People, 

And we will rule this nation. 



TO THE WORLD I LOVE 175 



WHY GOD CREATED FLOWERS 

\X7HEN God created all things 

For our needs, 
Both great and small, 
Why did He create the flowers? 
Why, just to please the eye, 
And to give us joy — 
Surely He might not have made 
The flowers at all. 



FINIS 



JfiH 



